UAE Federal Laws are the body of legislation enacted by the Federal Supreme Council (the highest legislative authority in the UAE, comprising the Rulers of the seven Emirates) and promulgated by the President of the UAE. These laws apply uniformly across all seven Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah), unless a specific law dictates otherwise or provides for Emirate-level regulation in certain limited areas.
The UAE legal framework is a mixed system, drawing primarily from:
Common Law Principles:Β Increasingly adopted, particularly in specialized areas like financial regulation and international arbitration.
Civil Law Traditions:Β Many core codes (like Civil Transactions Law) are based on codified principles derived from French, Egyptian, and other continental European legal systems.
Sharia (Islamic Law):Β Sharia forms the basis of legislation, especially in matters of personal status (family law, inheritance) and influences commercial contracts and dispute resolution.
Federal Law Timeline
2024
FED-ENV-2024-024 UAE Federal Environment Law No. 24
Comprehensive environmental protection framework establishing federal standards for waste management, emissions control, and environmental impact assessments across all emirates.
Key Provisions: Unified environmental permits required for all major projects Mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIAs) Carbon reporting for facilities over 1,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent Waste tracking systems using federal digital platforms
Phased prohibition of single-use plastic bags across UAE, with implementation timeline and exemptions. Includes requirements for alternatives and retailer compliance.
Impact: High | Federal | Single-Use Plastics | Ban | Retail
Regulatory Authority Primary: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Retail Enforcement: Ministry of Economy Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection Department Customs: Federal Customs Authority (import controls)
Mandatory Requirements by Sector Retail (All Sizes) No distribution of banned plastic bags Alternative bag provision (paper, reusable, certified compostable) Customer communication and signage Staff training on policy Record keeping of alternative purchases
Food Service Transition from plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers Compliant food containers Takeaway packaging compliance Supplier verification
Hotels and Hospitality Elimination of single-use amenity bottles Plastic straw removal Event catering compliance Guest communication
Exemptions Medical and healthcare products Certain food safety applications Industrial packaging (temporary) Products in transit
Available Incentives Tax-free status for eco-friendly alternatives (initial period) Government subsidy for small business transition Bulk purchasing agreements for alternatives Marketing support for compliant businesses Green business certification fast-track
Addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation with implications for waste-to-energy facilities, landfill gas management, and emissions from waste sector operations.
Impact: Medium | Federal | Climate Change | Emissions | Waste-to-Energy
Regulatory Authority Primary: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Climate Reporting: UAE Climate Change Executive Council Verification: Accredited verification bodies Coordination: Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative Office
Waste Sector Implications
Landfill Operations Mandatory landfill gas capture by 2025 Methane monitoring and reporting Gas-to-energy or flaring requirements Progressive landfill reduction targets
Available Incentives Carbon credit generation from waste projects Green financing for low-carbon waste infrastructure Technology transfer support International climate finance access Accelerated depreciation for green investments
Regulatory Authority Primary: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Registration: MOCCAE Producer Responsibility Division Verification: Federal Environmental Agency Coordination: Emirates Recycling Association (advisory)
Mandatory Requirements by Sector
Packaging Producers/Importers Registration with national EPR registry Annual reporting of packaging placed on market Collection target: 50% by 2025, 70% by 2030 Financial contribution to collection systems Eco-design requirements for new packaging Consumer information on recyclability
Electronics Producers/Importers (WEEE) E-waste take-back programs mandatory Collection target: 45% by 2025, 65% by 2030 Partnership with certified e-waste recyclers Hazardous component management Product labeling requirements Consumer awareness campaigns
Battery Producers/Importers Collection infrastructure investment Target: 45% collection by 2025 Proper disposal information on products Retail take-back facilitation Tracking of hazardous battery types
Tyre Producers/Importers Collection rate: 90% by 2025 Recycling partnerships mandatory Contribution to waste tyre management fund Support for tyre recycling infrastructure
Available Incentives Tax exemptions for waste-to-energy investments (up to 50%) Fast-track approvals for green building certifications Priority access to government contracts Reduced EPR fees for eco-designed products Government co-investment in collection infrastructure Recognition in sustainability indexes Export facilitation for recycled materials Innovation grants for circular design
Detailed regulations for handling, storing, transporting, and disposing of hazardous waste. Includes classification criteria, packaging requirements, and manifest system specifications.
Impact: High | Federal | Hazardous Waste | Transport | Storage
Regulatory Authority Primary: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Technical Review: MOCCAE Hazardous Materials Division Emergency Response: Civil Defense Coordination Transboundary: Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (radioactive)
Mandatory Requirements by Sector
Commercial (Generating Hazardous Waste) Hazardous waste inventory and classification Secure storage area with secondary containment Maximum 90-day on-site storage Licensed contractor for disposal Staff training on handling procedures Emergency spill kits and procedures Quarterly waste manifests to authority
Industrial (Significant Hazardous Waste) 80% waste diversion by 2025 (non-hazardous portion) Weekly hazardous waste audits Partnership with certified hazardous waste recyclers mandatory On-site treatment permit consideration Waste minimization program Annual hazardous waste reduction targets Emergency response team designation
Healthcare Facilities Specialized medical waste segregation Infectious waste treatment within 48 hours Sharps management protocols Pharmaceutical waste separate handling Pathological waste incineration requirements Staff vaccination and PPE protocols
Large-scale Industrial (20,000+ sqm or Major Generators) Zero hazardous waste to standard landfill Advanced waste tracking systems (real-time) Quarterly sustainability reporting On-site treatment facility consideration Cradle-to-grave documentation Environmental liability insurance Community right-to-know compliance
Available Incentives Tax exemptions for hazardous waste treatment investments Fast-track approvals for treatment facility permits Priority access to government contracts for compliant facilities Reduced insurance premiums for certified facilities Technical assistance for waste minimization Grants for cleaner production technologies
Amendments to Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 strengthening environmental protection measures, increasing penalties for violations, and enhancing enforcement mechanisms.
Impact: Medium | Federal | Amendment | Enforcement | Penalties
Regulatory Authority Primary: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Enforcement: Enhanced Federal Environmental Police powers Prosecution: Public Prosecution Environmental Division Appeals: Federal Courts
Key Enforcement Enhancements Environmental police with arrest powers Real-time monitoring requirements Whistleblower protection and rewards Public register of violations Enhanced inspection powers Cross-border enforcement cooperation π Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Regulatory Authority Primary: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Licensing Authority: MOCCAE Permits Division Inspection: Federal and Emirate Environmental Agencies Appeals: MOCCAE Administrative Committee
Mandatory Requirements by Sector
Waste Generators (All Categories) Registration with MOCCAE waste generator database Waste classification and characterization Proper storage in designated areas Contracts with licensed waste contractors Record keeping for minimum 5 years
Waste Transporters Vehicle licensing and GPS tracking mandatory Driver certification and training Manifest documentation for all movements Vehicle specifications compliance Insurance coverage requirements Route optimization to minimize emissions
Treatment Facilities Environmental permit with specific conditions Continuous emissions monitoring Residue management plans Emergency response capabilities Community liaison requirements Annual capacity audits
Available Incentives Streamlined licensing for certified facilities Multi-year permits for consistent compliance Reduced inspection frequency tiers Priority processing for innovative technologies Government partnership opportunities
Regulatory Authority Primary: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Implementation: Emirate-level waste management authorities Licensing: MOCCAE Waste Management Division Monitoring: Federal Environmental Inspection Teams
Mandatory Requirements by Sector
Commercial (5,000-10,000 sqm) 60% waste diversion by 2025 Monthly waste audits required On-site composting for organic waste (where applicable) Registered waste collection contractor Waste segregation into minimum 4 streams (general, recyclable, organic, hazardous) Annual waste reduction plan
Industrial (10,000+ sqm) 80% waste diversion by 2025 Weekly waste audits Partnership with certified recyclers mandatory Waste tracking system implementation Process waste minimization plan Hazardous waste manifest system compliance Industrial symbiosis opportunities assessment
Large-scale Facilities (20,000+ sqm) Zero waste to landfill by 2027 Advanced waste tracking systems (digital platforms) Quarterly sustainability reporting Full waste characterization study annually On-site material recovery facilities encouraged Circular economy action plan Extended Producer Responsibility participation
Available Incentives Tax exemptions for waste-to-energy investments (up to 50%) Fast-track approvals for green building certifications Priority access to government contracts Reduced waste management fees for high diversion rates Green financing access through federal programs Technical support for waste minimization initiatives Recognition in UAE Circular Economy Program
FL-24-1999 Environmental Protection and Development
Foundational environmental legislation establishing the framework for environmental protection, including waste management principles, pollution control, and environmental impact assessments across all UAE emirates.
Impact: High | Federal Law | Environmental Framework | Foundational
Regulatory Authority Primary: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Enforcement: Federal Environmental Agency in coordination with Emirate-level authorities Compliance Verification: MOCCAE Environmental Inspection Department
Mandatory Requirements by Sector Commercial (5,000-10,000 sqm) Environmental impact assessment for new developments Waste management plan submission Annual environmental compliance report Designated waste storage areas meeting specifications
Industrial (10,000+ sqm) Comprehensive environmental management system Regular emissions and waste monitoring Quarterly compliance reporting Emergency response procedures for hazardous materials
Large-scale Facilities (20,000+ sqm) Full-time environmental officer appointment Continuous monitoring systems Monthly reporting to authorities Third-party environmental audits annually
Available Incentives Reduced inspection frequency for certified compliant facilities Recognition in federal environmental excellence programs Simplified permit renewal for consistent performers Access to environmental technology support programs
Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sarjah Emirate Legislative Tracker
Select the Emirate you would like to see from the tabs below
Effective Ongoing
TADWEER-REGWaste Collection and Transport
Operational regulations from Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer) covering waste collection schedules, vehicle specifications, and service provider requirements.
Impact: Medium | Abu Dhabi | Tadweer | Collection | Transport
Updated environmental permitting requirements for waste management facilities in Abu Dhabi, including application procedures, conditions, and renewal processes.
Impact: Medium | Abu Dhabi | Permits | Licensing | Facilities
AD-EHSMSEnvironment, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS)
Comprehensive regulatory framework requiring entities in Abu Dhabi to implement environmental, health, and safety management systems. Includes specific waste management technical guidance documents.
Impact: High | Abu Dhabi | EHSMS | Management Systems | Compliance
Regulatory Authority Primary: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) Registration: EHSMS Regulatory Framework Division Verification: Approved EHS consultants and auditors Integration: Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD)
EHSMS Sector Categories Category A (High Risk – including major waste facilities) Full EHSMS implementation mandatory Third-party certification required Annual surveillance audits Comprehensive waste management procedures Emergency response plans tested quarterly Senior management accountability
Category B (Medium Risk) EHSMS implementation required Self-certification with verification Biennial audits Waste management procedures Emergency response plans tested annually
Category C (Low Risk) Basic EHSMS elements Self-declaration Random audits Basic waste management compliance
Technical Guidance Documents (Waste-Related) AD EHSMS RF – CoP 10.0: Waste Management AD EHSMS RF – CoP 10.1: Hazardous Waste AD EHSMS RF – CoP 10.2: Medical Waste AD EHSMS RF – CoP 10.3: Industrial Waste AD EHSMS RF – Mechanism 12.0: Emergency Preparedness
Available Incentives Estidama Pearl Rating integration Government tender preference Reduced inspection frequency Training subsidies Recognition programs Expedited permit processing
Emirate-level legislation establishing waste management framework for Abu Dhabi, covering municipal, industrial, and hazardous waste. Defines responsibilities of waste generators and service providers.
Impact: High | Abu Dhabi | Emirate Law | Waste Framework
Regulatory Authority Primary: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) Implementation: Tadweer – Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center Enforcement: EAD Environmental Compliance Division Municipal: Department of Municipalities and Transport
Mandatory Requirements by Sector Commercial (5,000-10,000 sqm) 60% waste diversion by 2025 Monthly waste audits required On-site composting for organic waste (food establishments) Contract with Tadweer-approved contractor Waste segregation into 4 minimum streams Dedicated waste storage area meeting specifications Annual waste management plan update
Industrial (10,000+ sqm) 80% waste diversion by 2025 Weekly waste audits Partnership with certified recyclers mandatory EHSMS compliance certification Process waste reduction program Material balance reporting Quarterly performance reviews with EAD
Large-scale Facilities (20,000+ sqm) Zero waste to landfill by 2027 Advanced waste tracking systems (Tadweer digital platform) Quarterly sustainability reporting to EAD On-site recycling/recovery facilities encouraged Full-time waste management officer Annual third-party audits Public sustainability disclosures
Available Incentives Tax exemptions for waste-to-energy investments (up to 50%) Fast-track approvals for green building certifications (Estidama Pearl) Priority access to government contracts Reduced waste gate fees for high segregation rates Recognition in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Awards Technical assistance from Tadweer Pilot program opportunities
Phased ban on single-use plastic bags with 25 fils charge introduced in July 2022 and complete ban from January 2024. Covers retail and commercial establishments.
Regulatory Authority Primary: Dubai Municipality Enforcement: Dubai Economy and Tourism Consumer Affairs: Consumer Protection Department
Mandatory Requirements by Sector Retail Complete elimination of plastic bags Alternative bag provision Customer communication Staff training Record keeping
Food Service Alternative containers No plastic straws/cutlery Compostable packaging preferred Customer education
Available Incentives Support for transition to alternatives Bulk purchasing programs Government recognition Priority for green certifications
DXB-IWMMP-2041Dubai Integrated Waste Management Master Plan 2021-2041
Strategic framework targeting 100% waste diversion from landfills by 2030. Establishes targets for recycling, waste-to-energy, and infrastructure development.
Impact: High | Dubai | Master Plan | Strategy | Diversion Targets
Regulatory Authority Primary: Dubai Municipality – Waste Management Department Coordination: Dubai Executive Council Monitoring: Dubai Statistics Center International: Dubai’s commitment to UAE Net Zero 2050
Mandatory Requirements by Sector All Commercial Entities (Phased) 2024: Basic segregation (3 streams) 2025: Enhanced segregation (5 streams) 2027: Advanced segregation with organics 2030: Full compliance with zero landfill
Regulatory Authority Primary: Dubai Municipality – Waste Management Department Coordination: Dubai Executive Council Enforcement: Dubai Municipality Environment Inspection Licensing: Dubai Municipality Business Registration
Mandatory Requirements by Sector Commercial (5,000-10,000 sqm) 60% waste diversion by 2025 Monthly waste audits required On-site composting for organic waste (food service) Waste segregation into 5 streams (paper, plastic, organic, glass/metal, general) Contract with Dubai Municipality-approved contractor Annual waste reduction plan Staff training documentation
Industrial (10,000+ sqm) 80% waste diversion by 2025 Weekly waste audits Partnership with certified recyclers mandatory Process waste minimization program Material recovery targets Quarterly reporting to DM Environmental officer designation
Large-scale Facilities (20,000+ sqm) Zero waste to landfill by 2027 (85% minimum diversion) Advanced waste tracking systems (DM digital platform) Quarterly sustainability reporting On-site MRF encouraged Annual sustainability report publication Third-party audits Innovation in waste management initiatives
Hospitality Sector (Hotels) Food waste reduction program Organic waste composting/biogas Single-use plastic elimination Linen and amenity waste reduction Guest engagement programs Monthly waste reports to DM
Construction Sector C&D waste management plan mandatory 70% recycling of C&D waste On-site crushing/sorting encouraged Use of recycled materials targets Monthly waste reports during construction
Available Incentives Tax exemptions for waste-to-energy investments Fast-track approvals for green building certifications (Al Sa’fat) Priority access to government contracts Reduced gate fees for source-separated waste Recognition in Dubai Sustainability Awards Access to Dubai Green Mobility Initiative Government co-investment in technologies
Extended Producer Responsibility requirements for tyre manufacturers and importers in Dubai. Mandates collection and recycling targets for end-of-life tyres.
Regulatory Authority Primary: Dubai Municipality – Waste Management Department Registration: Dubai Economy and Tourism Verification: Dubai Municipality Environmental Monitoring
Producer Requirements Registration with Dubai Municipality Collection rate: 90% by 2025 Partnership with approved recyclers Consumer take-back facilitation Annual reporting Financial contribution to collection system
Available Incentives Reduced fees for exceeding targets Priority consideration for government fleet contracts Recognition in sustainability programs
Operational standards and requirements for waste management services in Sharjah implemented by Bee’ah, covering collection, treatment, and recycling operations.
Customer Requirements Waste segregation at source Proper container usage Adherence to collection schedules Hazardous waste notification Annual waste registration (commercial)
Facilities Available Bee’ah Waste-to-Energy Plant (Emirates Waste to Energy) Material Recovery Facilities Composting facilities Hazardous waste treatment E-waste recycling center Construction waste recycling
Regulatory Authority Primary: Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) Operations: Bee’ah – Sharjah Environment Company Municipal: Sharjah City Municipality Enforcement: EPAA Compliance Division
Mandatory Requirements by Sector Commercial (5,000-10,000 sqm) 60% waste diversion by 2025 Monthly waste audits required On-site composting for organic waste (food establishments) Contract with Bee’ah or approved contractor Waste segregation (general, recyclables, organic) Annual waste report Staff awareness programs
Industrial (10,000+ sqm) 80% waste diversion by 2025 Weekly waste audits Partnership with certified recyclers mandatory Industrial waste management plan Material balance reporting Hazardous waste manifest compliance Quarterly reporting to EPAA
Large-scale Facilities (20,000+ sqm) Zero waste to landfill by 2027 Advanced waste tracking systems Quarterly sustainability reporting On-site recycling consideration Designated waste management officer Annual sustainability disclosures Third-party verification
Available Incentives Tax exemptions for waste-to-energy investments (up to 50%) Fast-track approvals for green building certifications Priority access to government contracts Reduced Bee’ah service fees for high performers Recognition in Sharjah Sustainability Awards Technical support from EPAA
Regulatory Authority Primary: Ajman Municipality and Planning Department Environment: Ajman Environment and Waste Management Section Enforcement: Ajman Municipality Inspection Division Industrial: Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) for zone facilities
Ajman Free Zone Tenants Zone-specific requirements Shared services available Collective management options AFZ compliance reporting
Large-scale Facilities (20,000+ sqm) 75% waste diversion by 2027 Waste monitoring systems Semi-annual reporting On-site waste initiatives Environmental compliance officer
Available Incentives Reduced municipal fees for compliant businesses Recognition in Ajman sustainability programs Technical support access Priority processing for permits Government partnership opportunities
Environmental protection framework for Ras Al Khaimah with specific provisions for waste management, pollution prevention, and environmental impact assessment.
Impact: High | RAK | Environmental Protection | EIA
Regulatory Authority Primary: RAK Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) Permits: EPDA Licensing Division EIA: EPDA Environmental Assessment Section Enforcement: EPDA Compliance Team
Permit Requirements Environmental screening for new projects EIA for major waste facilities Operational permits for waste activities Annual environmental reporting Continuous compliance monitoring
Regulatory Authority Primary: RAK Municipality – Environment Department Waste Services: RAK Waste Management Agency Environmental: RAK Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) Industrial: RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ) for zone facilities
Mandatory Requirements by Sector Commercial (5,000-10,000 sqm) 50% waste diversion by 2025 (progressive to 60%) Quarterly waste audits required Organic waste separation (hospitality sector) Contract with approved waste contractor Basic segregation (recyclables, general, organic) Annual waste summary report
Industrial (10,000+ sqm) 70% waste diversion by 2025 (progressive to 80%) Monthly waste audits Partnership with recyclers encouraged Industrial waste management plan Process optimization for waste reduction Semi-annual reporting to EPDA
Available Incentives Tax exemptions for waste infrastructure investments Fast-track approvals for green developments Priority access to government projects Reduced waste disposal fees for segregated waste Recognition in RAK sustainability initiatives Technical assistance programs Industrial symbiosis facilitation
FUJ-EWRFujairah Municipality Environmental and Waste Regulations
Environmental and waste management framework for Fujairah Emirate, covering all waste streams with special provisions for port and industrial activities.
Impact: High | Fujairah | Municipal | Environmental | Waste
Regulatory Authority Primary: Fujairah Municipality – Environment Department Port Activities: Fujairah Port Authority (waste from vessels) Industrial: Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA) for zone facilities Oil & Gas: Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) specialized requirements Enforcement: Fujairah Municipality Inspection Section
Mandatory Requirements by Sector Commercial (5,000-10,000 sqm) 50% waste diversion by 2025 Quarterly waste audits Segregation (recyclables, general, organic) Approved contractor contract Waste storage facilities Annual reporting
Industrial (10,000+ sqm) 70% waste diversion by 2025 Monthly waste audits Partnership with certified recyclers mandatory Industrial waste management plan Process waste tracking Quarterly reporting Emergency spill response capability
Port and Maritime Ship-generated waste reception MARPOL compliance Port waste management plan Vessel waste notification Hazardous cargo waste protocols 24-hour waste reception availability
Oil and Gas Sector (FOIZ) Specialized oily waste management Drill cuttings handling Produced water treatment Tank cleaning waste Continuous monitoring Annual environmental audit Emergency response certification
Large-scale Facilities (20,000+ sqm) 80% waste diversion by 2027 Advanced tracking systems Quarterly sustainability reports On-site treatment consideration Environmental management system Third-party audits
Free Zone Tenants (FFZA) Zone waste management compliance Shared facility access Collective hazardous waste management Annual zone reporting FFZA environmental guidelines adherence
Available Incentives Tax exemptions for waste treatment investments Fast-track approvals for green facilities Priority government contracts Reduced port fees for compliant vessels Technical assistance from municipality Recognition programs Industrial zone waste infrastructure support
Regulatory Authority Primary: UAQ Municipality – Public Health and Environment Department Industrial: UAQ Free Trade Zone (FTZ) for zone facilities Enforcement: UAQ Municipality Inspection Division Coordination: Federal alignment with MOCCAE
Poultry and Agriculture Sector Agricultural waste management plan Organic waste composting Manure management protocols Pesticide container disposal Water quality protection measures
Available Incentives Reduced municipal fees for compliance Recognition in emirate programs Technical assistance access Priority permit processing Government contract consideration Free zone incentive alignment
“Upcoming Changes” are based on policy signals and official strategies but are not yet enacted law.
Enhanced EPR Framework Expansion
Q2 2025 | Second Quarter
Expected expansion of Extended Producer Responsibility to cover additional product categories including textiles, furniture, and additional packaging materials.
Anticipated requirement for all major waste generators to report waste data through unified national digital platform with standardized reporting formats.
Status: Upcoming | Digital Reporting | Data Management | Compliance
Anticipated requirements for mandatory organic waste separation and diversion from landfills for commercial entities exceeding specified waste generation thresholds.
Expected revision to hazardous waste classification criteria aligning with international standards and expanding list of regulated hazardous materials.
Status: Upcoming | Hazardous Waste | Classification | International Standards
